Powder box



Patented Dec. 7, 1937 "UNirEo srA-TE-siPATENT OFFICE assignments, to F. N. Bu'rt Company, Inc., Bufi'alo, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application owner 2831935, Serial Nan-1.13s 19 Claims. (o 229-55) The invention has relation to improvements in containers of paper or similar material, such as powder boxes, and more particularly to-means for securing together the drum and base closure elements thereof, such boxes being usually composed of three .elements, namely, a drum, a base forming a closure therefor, and a cover. Sometimes'quantities of these elements separated from each other are sent to the face powder packer by 1 the box maker, requiring subsequently various l labor operations in the ultimate assembly.

Heretofore it has been customary to make the circumferential walls or the drum and its base closure of substantially the'same height, and to telescope these parts the, one over or in the other, and in so doing, air approximately equal to the cubicv contents of the box is displaced and must escape through the joint between drum and b ase closure, the rapid telescoping movement resulting in high velocity of this air through such. joint,

causing powder to be carried into the joint. If adhesive is used to hold the 'parts together,this dis placed powder is dusted over the moist glued surfaces, resulting in improper adhesion and in defective joining of the parts with consequent ob jectionable sifting in handling and transit. Other types of powder boxes have likewise been found to be objectionable in use.

It'is one of the important objects of the inventionto provide an improved joint for connecting the base and drum'elements of containers of the class mentioned, so as to effectually guard against siftingtor unintentional escape of the powder con tents from the powder compartment; or into the joints. 1

, Another important object is to provide an improved joint for this type of container which is proof against sifting and wholly avoids the use of any adhesive in its construction. A 40 A further object is to provide an improved conas to be easily assembled after filling the box with powder and 'to minimize the telescopic assembly and commercially practicable sift-proof connectlon between a relatively stiff or rigid base and a relatively yieldable drum of thin material, such as thin paper board. According to another feature of the invention, there is provided an improved mechanical connection between the drum and its base closure by means of a wedge plug on the base closure adapted to permanently expand the lower end portion of the drum, indent the drum wall, seal the connection and securely hold the parts in assembled relation.

Another object is to meet the limitations of the most advantageous materials.

Other objects of the invention will be in part pbinted out in. subjoined. detailed disclosure of certain illustrative but preferred embodiments of nection between the drumand base, so arranged movements, avoiding. undue or objectionable rush of air through the joints of the container, with consequent blowingof theipowder, and at the same time making va flrin structural union which is proof against tingof even the finest powder.

- Another obj class mentioned having an improved assemblyio'f 'is to provide a container of the the parts thereof, whereby time and labor are saved in filling it-with the powder and in the subsequent'assembling thereof, while production costsarelowered.

still another objectis to provide an improved of manufacture possessing the features, properis somewhat less than the inner diameter of the the invention, and will be in-part obvious in view of such disclosure.

The invention accordingly comprises an article ties, and the relation of elements which will be exemplified in the article hereinafter described and the scope of the application of which'will be indicated in the claims.

For a more comprehensive disclosure of the 4 nature, and objects of the invention, reference is made to the detailed description below of the illustrative embodiments, and to the accompanying drawing, iri which:- f

Fig, l is a central vertical section of a face powder box, embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a detail fragmentary vertical sectional view of the same on an enlarged scale;

Fig. 3 is a similar view of a modification.

In the illustrative embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawing, the drum l is in de of yieldable or resilient material, such as t 11. paper, con- 'volutely or spirally wound into cylindrical form to make the usual laminated structure; The base 2 forms a closure for the drum, ,being' preferably composed of non-yieldableniaterial, such as molded thermosetting synthe ic resin of the ureal type, and 3 is; the cover, J 3

The base closu're'2 is provided with a wedge plug 4, tapered-upwardly at its outer surface, engaging the lower part'of the interio' of the drum i to permanentlyexpand the. same. The outer diameter of the base plug at its upper end drum or ring i so that the small 'end'of the base is readily received within the drum without 'any' expansion of the 'lower end thereof. However,

due to the taper of the base plug, the inner surface f the drum will; contact with the outwardly flared. surface of the plug as soon assaid plug has been entered .only a short distance into the drum. Continued movement of the base plug into the drum will cause the lower end or edge of the drum to be deflected or flared outwardly throughout the entire periphery thereof. Hence,

- other words, the flaring of the drum end and the curvature of the flare are determined jointly by the taper of the base plug with reference to the drum walls, and by the characteristics of the drum material.

The base closure plug t is provided with meansto positively engage into the drum surface, to seal, and securely hold the assembled parts in en-' gagement, said means comprising a plurality of circumferential longitudinally wedge-shaped teeth or threads 5, of progressively increasing diameter. These teeth or ribs as shown may have sharp apices extending preferably-entirely around the plug and are found to be effective in practice to accomplish the functions mentioned, even though the connection is made, in powder boxes of ordinary toilet size, within a'very limited space, namely, one quarter inch. For boxes of the nature of the illustrative embodiment herein disclosed, circumferential, teeth, each ten onethousandth of an inch in height and each extending slightly into the drum surface, that is, slightly beneath the general contour of said surface, as by cutting or biting into the surface of the ,drum wall a few thousandths of an inch, are preferably provided. Such teeth or ribs, when thus ar-' ranged to engage beneath the general contour of the drum surface, provide a connection which is positive in its nature and of suflicient strength to prevent separationof the parts and sufficiently tight to avoid sifting of the container contents under any such customary strains as the box may be expected to encounter. For other designs of boxes one of these circumferential ribs will suffice, or it may-be desirable in other cases to employ more than two. The distance that the wedge plug projects into the drum is ordinarily in practice held to a minimum for two reasons: first material cost is less, and second, the amount of air displacement is reduced, which if excessiveblows out a cloud of powder'when the plug is forced home, causing extra labor to clean the boxes when packing.

--It is to be noted that theretaining and sealing ribs or wedge-shaped teeth 5 are positioned directly upon the tapered surface of the base closure plug 4, being positioned thereon one over another and spaced apart a suflicient' distance to enable each tooth to engage and bite into the inner surface of the drum. The surface of the plug tapers or inclines gradually downwardly to the apex of each tooth but recedes abruptly below each apex whereby the latter is well adapted to function with the contacting drum surface. The diameter-of the base plug at the apex of the upper tooth 5 is somewhat greater than the inner diameter of the drum so that said tooth'will engagetightly in the drum to cause it to bite into the surface and to cause the flaring of the drum wall. Also it is important that the diameter of the apex of the lower tooth 5 be greater than the upper tooth so as to be positioned to bite into the surface of the outwardly flared or curved drum wall. 5 Due to this arrangement each tooth .5 is most advantageously positioned for the accomplishment of its functions. Eachtooth thus bitesflrmly into the drum surface, holding the parts firmly in assembled condition, under all normal conditions of'use and handling, at the same time making a sift-proof joint, and avoiding the use of an adhesive.

The connection between the drum and the base closure is quickly and-easily made and the opening through which the powder is filled in the drum is substantially that 'of the full inside diameter of the box, whereby flllingof the box with dry powder can be instantly achieved.

It is desirable to provide the base closure 2 with. an exterior bottom flange 6 to limit the assembly movements of the parts by engaging-the lower edge of the drum. Also this flange may be formed with an annular groove 1, at the base of the teeth 5, and with which the lower edge of the drum has engagement at the end of the assembling movement, to thereby protect said edge and better hold the toothedengagement.

In Figure 3 of the drawing, a modification is shown wherein the groove 1 is provided with a beveled outer edge 8, with which the'lower edge of the drum has initial engagement prior to full entry into said groove, to thereby bend the said lower edge inwardly toward thev circumferential teeth of the plug for better gripping effect.

It is preferred to make the base closure of a molded thermosettingsynthetic resin. The thermosetting resins of the ureal type are ideal for the purpose, as they are medium in price and can be obtained in bright colors suitable for face powder 40 boxes and they have a pleasant feel ,and appearance. In the molding of such materials the parts can be knocked out of the mold. cavity if the grooves forming undercuts inthe direction in which the parts are removed from'the mold are not more than ten thousandths deep. Parts so knocked out are much .less expensive than parts with undercuts so deep that the mold has to be made of split cavity constructiomor the grooves cut as a secondary operation.

In either of. the illustrative embodiments shown, the upper end of the drum l opposite to the base closure plug 2 will be closed by a frangible head or similar cover in a' manner known in the art. Such a frangible head is ordinarily made of thin paper or similar thin material stretched over the upper edges of the drum and pasted or otherwise attached to the drum so as to make a, tight joint which will confine the powder so as toavoid sifting. 1 When the powder has been placed inthe drum, the base closure plug 4 is inserted into the lower end of the drum, the two parts telescoping with each other. The edge portion of the drum wall engages with the tapered surface of the plug thus expanding the drum by forcing its walls putwardly as described. As the parts are moved into home position the apices of the ribs or teeth 5 are very positively wedged against the inner surface of the drum and caused to bite thereinto,

holding the parts firmly in assembled relation the flange 1.

drum with the tapered surface of closure plug and with the teeth thereof during assembly causes the drum to curve or flare outwardly and to yieldingly engage with said teeth so as to hold the parts in assembled relation, as described. In case of the embodiment of Fig. '3, the edge of the advancing drum wall contacts with the inclined cam surface 8 as the parts approach final position, thus forcing the lower edge of the drum wall inwardly and forming a. reverse or ogee curvature of the drum wall and at the same time firmly urging the lower edge portion of the wall inwardlyinto positive engagement with or into firm biting contact with the. lower retaining tooth 5.. Thus the. two parts are securely locked in flnal assembled relation with each other. This form therefore has advantages in providing a stronger and more durable. connection. The cover 3 is finally placed on the assembled drum and base, the lower edge thereof resting upon While the container herein disclosed is indicated as being cylindrical or circular in horizontal cross section for which the improvements are well adapted, it is to be understood that the improvements are adapted for embodiment in other shapes of containers such as oval, square, polyg- V of spaced teeth extending continuously around onal of various numbers of sides, etc.

' Since certain changes may be made in the above article anddifferent embodiments of the invention could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter the wedge plug and indenting the drum to securely hold the parts together, one of the lower of said teethbeing of greater diameter than that next above.

2. In a paper box, in'combination, a drum, and

V a base closure therefor having a wedge plug engaging the lower part of the interior of said drum to permanently expand thersame and provided with means to indent, tend to seal and securely hold the drum, comprising aplurality of circumferential longitudinally wedge-shaped teeth of increasing diameten.

' 3. In a paper. box, in combination, a drum, a

base closure. thereforhaving a wedge plug engaging the lower part of the interior of said drum to permanently expand the samejand means on said plug'to indent, tend to seal and securely hold the drum, said means including a plurality of circumferential parallel longitudinally wedgeshaped teeth of increasing diameter.

4. Ida paper box, in combination, a drum, a

base'closure therefor having awvedge plug engaging the lower part oftheinterlor of said drum to. permanently expand the same, :means on said plug to indent and securely hold the drum, said means'includinga plurality otparallel, longitudinally wedge-shaped teeth extending around the plug and being of increasing diameterfrom top.

to bottom, and an exterior i'iange on said base closure provided with an annular groove with which the loweredge at said drum engages.

alga box.l in combination. a. resilient drum,

a base closure therefor having a wedge plug engaging the lower part of the interior of said drum to permanently expand the same, means on said plug to indent and securely hold the drum, said means including a plurality of parallel longitudinally wedgeshaped teeth extending around said plug and being of increasing diameter from top to bottom, an exterior flange on said closure provided with an annular groove at the base of said teeth with which the lower edge of said drum engages, said groove having a beveled outer edge with which the lower edge of the drum has engagement to bend the same. inwardly against said teeth.

6. A base closure for the drum element of a paper box, having a wedge plug provided with a plurality of longitudinally wedge-shaped teeth extending therearound and being of increasing extending continuously therearound and being of increasing diameter from top to bottom, and an exteriod flange having an annular groove at the base of said teeth.

8. A closure for the drumelement of a paper box, having a wedge plug provided with a plurality of parallel longitudinally wedge-shaped teeth ex- I tending continuously therearound and being of increasing diameter from top to bottom, and an exterior flange having an upwardly 'directed-annular groove at the base of said teeth, said groove having an inwardly inclined outer edge.

9. A rigid closure for the drum of a paper box,

said closure having a wedge plug with 'a; tapered surface, and having a retaining tooth extending around the tapered-surface, said tapered surface gradually inclining downwardly to the apexof said-tooth and having an abrupt shoulder immediately below said apex/whereby said apex can bite into the surface of the drum to hold it in assembled relation, s'aid closure having a drum-supporting flange positioned beneathsaid retaining tooth.

11. In a box, in combination, a drum of-re silient material, a closure having a plug of relatively rigid material adapted to enter one 'end of said drum and being of-greater outside diameter than the inner diameter of said drum so asto "expand said drum when entered, retaining a means on said plug for biting into the surface of 'said drum when expanded for retaining the parts in assembledrelation, and means engagin the expanded part of said drum and holding it under stress-in an o ee curvature against said retain;

ins means.

12. Ina box,-ih combination, aof re-- 'silient material, a closure having a plug of rela-' tively rigid material adapted'to enter one end of said drum and being of greater outside diameter than the inner diameter ofsaid drum soas to expand said drum when entered, means on said Plug for biting into the surface of said drum when expanded for retaining the parts in assembled relation and aninclined on said-closure engaging the lower edge of said drum to urge it inwardly against said biting means.

13. In a box in combination, a resilient drum,

a closure therefor having a wedge plug engaging an end part of the-interior of said drum and holding said end part in permanently expanded condition in opposition to the resiliency thereof so as to cause contact pressure between the closure '10 'and drum, and sharp holding means on said closure urged by said pressure into biting engagement into the surface oi the drum and securely holding the closure and drum in assembled relation.

15 14. In a box. in combination, a resilient drum,

a closure therefor having a relatively rigid wedge plug engaging. an end part of the interior of said I30 drum, and an exterior flange on said base closure provided with an annular groove in which the end portion 'of said drum is engaged adjacent to said holding means so as to hold the end :portion of the drum inwardly'inholding engage! 85 ment' with said holding means on the plug.

16. In a box in combination, a resilient drum, a closure therefor having a relatively rigid wedge plug engaging the interior of an end portion of said drum and permanently expanding said end 40 portion, h'olding means on said plug engaging the drum and extending into the inner surface there- .of so as to positively engage and securely hold the drum, an exterior flange on said closure provided with an annular groove inwhich the edge 45 portion of said drum engages, said groove having its outer wall inclined inwardly and downwardly so as to engage the edge portion of the drum when the latter n being assembled with the closure, thus urging the drum edge portion inward ly into permanent engagement against said holding means and locking the closure and drum in assembled relation.

' v 1'7. In a box in combination, a drum of resilient material, a closure having a' plug of relatively rigid material adapted to enter one end of said drumand being of greater outside diameter than the inner diameter'of said drum so as to cause expansion of said drum when entered and to effect a constant pressure between the plug and drum, and a rigidcontinuous peripheral tooth on said plug having a sharp holding edge engaging against the inner surface of the drum and urged into biting engagement therewith by said constant pressure so as to retain the parts in assembled relation and to make a tight joint therebetween. A

18. In a box in combination, a drum of resilient material, a closure having a plug oi relatively rigid material adapted to enter one end of said drum and being of greater outside diameter than .the inner diameter of said drum soas to cause expansion of said drum when entered and to effect a constant pressure between the plug and drum, a. continuous peripheral tooth on said plug having 'a sharp holding edge engaging against the inner surfacevoi' the drum and urged into biting engagement therewith by said constant pressure so as to retain the parts in assembled'relation andto make a tight joint therebetween, and means on said closure including a peripheral groove for receiving and holding the edge portion of said drum in its'iflnal position against said peripheral tooth.

19. In a paper box in combination, a drum, a closure therefor having a wedge plug engaging the interior of an end portion of said drum and permanently expanding the same, holding means on said plug engaging and securely, holding the drum, and retainingmeans positioned adjacent to said' holding means and engaging the'drumv and retaining it in inward holding engagement with said holding means on the plug.

, ER H. DREUX.

JO SEPH N. ROYAL. 

